Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu's coat is long, straight and never stops growing. Dogs NSW says it can mat overnight, and that is not an exaggeration. Most Shih Tzus need a groom every eight weeks, and brushing in between is not optional.
- Coat type
- Long
- Groom every
- 8 weeks
- Brushing at home
- Line brush every 2 to 3 days
- Shedding
- Some, but most of it stays in the coat.
- Watch for
- Mats behind the ears and under the legs, and hair in the eyes
- Time in the salon
- About 95 minutes for a Full Groom
A coat that grows like hair
A Shih Tzu has a long, straight, silky coat that grows the way your own hair does. Left long, it reaches the floor. Almost every pet Shih Tzu in Australia is kept in a short trim instead, which is a sensible choice. Shih Tzus also have flat faces. That changes how we work with them, and it matters more than the coat does.
Why eight weeks
Long hair rubs against itself all day and knots where it moves most. Dogs NSW says the coat "has the tendency to matt overnight". Once a mat forms it pulls on the skin every time your dog moves. Hair also grows down into the eyes, which is uncomfortable and easy to miss. Eight weeks keeps the trim short enough to stay ahead of both.
Shih Tzus are flat-faced, so they can find it harder to breathe and to cool down. We hand dry rather than use a hot dryer, keep the appointment short, and stop if your dog needs a break.
Home care between grooms
- Line brush every two to three days. Push the coat back with one hand and work through one thin line at a time, from the skin out. Long hair looks fine on top while it is knotted underneath.
- Do behind the ears, the armpits and the back legs. These are the spots that knot while the rest of the coat still looks tidy.
- Wipe the face each day with a damp cloth, and keep the hair out of the eyes between grooms.
Line brushing, shown by iGroomHub, our partner. This is how our groomers brush, and it is the way to do it at home.
What you need at home
- Steel comb
Run it down to the skin. If it stops, you have found a knot.
- Slicker brush
This is the brush you line brush with. Follow it with the comb.
- Shampoo and conditioner
A good conditioner keeps long hair sliding past itself instead of knotting. Our range is made with chemists: 100% natural, vegan and palm oil free.
What we do for Shih Tzus at WOOOF
Most Shih Tzus book a Full Groom: bath, full dry, ears, nails, a face trim and a scissor finish. It takes about 95 minutes. We hand dry flat-faced dogs and keep the session moving. Tell us how short you want the face and body, or bring a photo. Bring puppies to the Happy Puppy Club first.
What a Shih Tzu groom costs
Set to a small dog with a long coat, which is where nearly every Shih Tzu sits.
Showing the lowest prices, for a small dog with a curly / long coat. Pick your dog’s weight and coat to see their price.
Add to any service
- Teeth Brush$30
- Nail Trim$25
- Nail filing$15
- DemattingFrom $34quoted on arrival
- DesheddingFrom $34quoted on arrival
Specialist grooming and programmes
Grooming that is priced after a conversation, a consultation, a coat assessment or a programme rather than a standard slot.
Happy Puppy Club
Short, positive sessions that teach a puppy the salon is a good place, so their whole grooming life is easier. Start any time from their first vaccinations.
See how the club works →
Spa treatments
Hydrospa and therapeutic treatments for coat, skin and muscular health, for itchy skin, dull coats, and older dogs who feel their walks the next day.
Browse treatments →
Hand stripping
Terriers and Spaniels whose coats are better hand stripped, or stripped and clipped. Duration and price depend on the coat.
Talk to our team →
Asian freestyle groom
Soft, sculpted, toy-like styling by an award-winning stylist: rounded faces, fuller legs, even braids. For smaller dense or curly coats groomed every 4 weeks.
Talk to our team →Cancellations and late arrivals
Please give us 24 hours if plans change. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may mean we cannot finish the groom booked.
Safe handling fee
A $30 safe handling fee applies where a dog needs two groomers or extra time to stay safe and comfortable. We always call you first.
Ready when you are
You’re 2 minutes away from happiness. Our booking portal helps you select the right services for your dog and shows you live calendar availability.
Book nowService prices are a starting point. The exact price is confirmed at drop-off, based on grooming time, coat condition, size and any extra handling. Add-on prices are exact.
Common questions
How often does a Shih Tzu need grooming?
Every eight weeks. The coat grows constantly and Dogs NSW warns it can mat overnight, so a short trim and regular brushing is the way to stay ahead of it.
Should I keep my Shih Tzu's coat long or short?
Short is easier and more comfortable for most pet dogs. A full-length coat needs daily brushing to stay out of mats. A short trim still needs brushing, just less of it.
Where this comes from
Dogs NSW, Shih Tzu. The coat "has the tendency to matt overnight so it must be kept clean and free from tangles".
RSPCA Australia, Why and how should I groom my dog? Brush knots out before they turn into mats.
RSPCA South Australia, The complete guide to grooming your dog. Poodles, poodle crosses and wiry haired terriers need regular combing. Trapped hair can cause ear and eye infections.
Australian Veterinary Association, Avoiding use of dog breeds with exaggerated features in marketing. The AVA lists the flat-faced breeds as "Pugs, British Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekinese, Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels".
WOOOF groomers are not vets. We tell you what we see on the table and send you to your vet. Nothing here is vet advice.